Landscaping
Back to LandscapingWorkers’ Compensation for Landscaping Businesses
Landscaping is physical work: mowers, trimmers, saws, heavy stone, summer heat and winter ice. Workers’ compensation helps pay medical bills and part of lost wages when a crew member is hurt or becomes ill because of the job. New York law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation, including many businesses with only seasonal or part-time workers.
What It Covers
Medical Care
Helps pay for treatment of work injuries, such as a cut from a hedge trimmer, debris thrown into an eye or a back injury from lifting pavers.
Lost Wages
Provides partial wage replacement when a crew member cannot work, or can only work in a limited way, while recovering from a covered injury.
Occupational Illness
May cover conditions that develop over time because of the work, such as repetitive strain or hearing loss from years of loud equipment.
Employer’s Liability
Helps protect your business if it is sued in connection with an employee’s work injury, including legal defense costs, subject to your policy terms.
Who Needs It
- Landscaping and lawn care companies with full-time, part-time or seasonal crews.
- Hardscaping crews that lift stone and pavers and run saws, compactors and other machinery.
- Snow removal businesses that bring on extra workers for winter storms.
Optional Coverages
- Waiver of SubrogationOften required in commercial and homeowners association maintenance contracts, this endorsement limits the carrier’s right to recover claim costs from the client named in the agreement.
- Other States CoverageCan extend protection when your crews take jobs in New Jersey, Connecticut or other states outside New York.
- Voluntary CompensationCan provide workers’ compensation-style benefits to people the law does not require you to cover, such as certain owners or partners who work alongside the crew.
Working with us
How We Help
- 1
Tell Us What You Need
Share a few details about you, your property or your business. It only takes a few minutes, online or by phone.
- 2
We Shop the Market
As an independent brokerage, we compare options from multiple top-rated carriers to find the right fit.
- 3
Review and Get Covered
We walk you through your options in plain language, answer your questions and help you choose with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Common Questions
Do I need workers’ compensation for seasonal or part-time workers?
In most cases, yes. New York law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation, and that generally includes seasonal and part-time employees, even if you only hire for the spring and summer or for snow season. Some exceptions exist, so confirm your situation with an agent before going without coverage.
What if I pay helpers in cash or hire subcontractors?
How you pay someone generally does not decide whether they count as your employee. If a subcontractor does not carry their own workers’ compensation, their workers may be counted as your employees at audit, which can increase your premium. It is a good idea to collect a certificate of insurance from every subcontractor you hire.
How is the premium calculated for a landscaping business?
Premiums are typically based on your payroll and the job classifications of your workers, since landscaping, tree work and snow removal can carry different rates. At the end of the term the carrier usually audits your actual payroll, which can result in an additional premium or a refund.
Ready to Get Started?
Get a personalized Workers’ Compensation quote or speak with one of our experienced agents.